Council should listen to the public on intersection

November 29, 2012

Marietta City Council held an hours-long meeting last week, debating moving forward with a plan to change the Seventh, Pike and Greene streets intersection, and ultimately decided to get more public input.

Council meets again today on the matter and in the week since the last session, quite a few residents have come forward saying they don't think the current plan is the right one. In fact, it's been difficult finding anyone who supports it.

One of the concerns is the possible elimination of a left hand turn from Seventh Street to Greene Street, which would create a headache for those who live in the Norwood area coming from downtown or the west side.

Others say smaller changes, such as adjusting the traffic lights, could make a difference and that a multi-million dollar project just isn't needed.

We think council should listen to the residents.

The money is available now for the project, creating a sense of urgency, but that doesn't mean the city should move forward with a bad plan.

How about first trying some more minor changes, such as changes to the lights, signage, pedestrian crossings or closing the Greene Street entrance and exit to Speedway?

There are a lot of things that can be done before millions of dollars in taxpayer money is spent on an "upgrade" that drivers don't support.